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The ongoing discussions and rhetoric over a new facility took an interesting turn earlier in the week when Calgary Flames president and CEO Ken King was interviewed by Toronto’s Sportsnet 590 The Fan radio and said the team could face the possibility of moving to another city if the team and the City of Calgary can’t strike a deal.

King clarified his comments in an interview with Postmedia on Saturday afternoon, less than 24 hours after Sam Bennett scored an empty-netter to seal a 5-2 victory over the Sharks at one of the oldest facilities in the NHL.

He said they were in response to a question of him using a “threat tactic” as a way of posturing their position to Calgarians.

“That’s not the way our guys operate,” King said. “We’re not threatening people. And furthermore, I think and hope we’re going to get a deal. The truth of the matter is, we would just move. Which is not to be confused as a threat. We don’t think it’s fair to threaten. We think it’s fair for people to decide whether or not if they want a facility … and whether or not they think it’s appropriate. If they do, great. We’ll participate. If they decide not to, well then we’ve, obviously, got to make some decisions about the future.

“It won’t include threats. But it certainly may, at some point, include a clear decision. My entire job and my role in life right now is to ensure that day never comes.”

On Saturday, he said he does not feel like the Calgary Flames are in a desperate situation.

“We’re still working on it,” King said. “I’m dismayed from time to time about progress and lack of progress. But the objective is clear and the effort is ongoing. I wouldn’t characterize it as desperate at all.

“My comment (on Sportsnet 590 The Fan) was in response to a tactical question … the only tactics we intend to use are logic and an appreciation and respect for the political process and the public’s point of view. And whether or not the public and political folks believe this is an important part of our city or not.”

King said the public feedback has been positive.

“Our current situation is not viable in the near or long-term,” King said. “That’s why we’re having this discussion is about a new facility. So, if we’re successful in that initiative, our near and long-term future is here (in Calgary). If not, we have to decide what the alternatives are … Anyone can connect the dots to how many choices we have left.

“If we don’t get a deal, what are our choices?”

http://calgaryherald.com/sports/hock...d-be-a-reality